Wednesday 22 August 2007

They say drowning is the most peaceful of all death...

It's supposed to feel like you're falling asleep as the water fills your lungs and you float (well, sink) off quietly to that light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, the typical question that follows is, how does anyone who has REALLY drowned tell anyone else how great it really is?? It's not like you can undrown yourself for death is a rather permanent occasion in one's life. Nor are people dunking their heads in toilets in an attempt to cure their insomnia. Or calling in sick- "I'm sorry, I really can't come to work today. I drowned last night. But I think I should be ok for next week."

You could argue, I suppose, that almost drowning and then being resuscitated gives you a fair idea of what it's like to drown completely and that may be so. And if that is the case, then living in Japan gives you a fair idea of what it's like to be cannabalized.

The insects here, you see, are extreme in many ways, all of them bad. First off, there are lots of them. Humidity and heat seem to favour exoskeletal beings and Japan is proof of that- you just can't get away from the fact that they are everywhere.

And they're huge, too. I saw a bee about 4 or 5 feet away from me in Chiba and it was the first time I ever managed to flat out see every strand of hair on a bee. Or pretty much be able to count its wings beating. And then there are the tiny gnats or spiders you find conveniently hiding exactly where you need to be. And the mosquitos. Viscious little buggers that'll eat you alive with multiple bites the span of ten seconds.

The bites, of course, swell to look like giant tumours on your arm. Or my arm anyway as it seems native Japanese people don't have any problems with them. One of the bites I had on my calf got swollen enough that I could barely walk for a day. How sad is that?? To be defeated by a bug.

Good thing though that the swelling happened on the weekend so it didn't really interfere with training, which has picked up this past week because of the huge tournament that's coming this weekend. I'll be going- not competing this time around, but I will bring back lots of pictures and attached commentary. And, being indoors, it'll be a good escape from the bugs.

OH! And one more thing. After going to the Sekiyado-Jo with Hachi last week, I found this rather amusing facility in a nearby mall.

Sounds like quite the party- some snippin' and some twiddlin'. The favourite "pastime" of many people I'm assuming. Although I don't even know what a pas-TEE-mey is (note the digital sarcasm =P)...........

Two points for anyone who guesses what this store offers........

5 comments:

Unknown said...

i got so sick of bugs too while i was hiking. Everytime we'd stop while we're in the middle of the forest, the familiar drone of the mosquitoes would arrive, and I'd want to leave. worse part is, they bite right through thin shirts and pants.

btw, they say the most peaceful way to die, is by mixing crushed sleeping pills with vodka, downing that and throwing yourself in the ocean.

Anonymous said...

It's a beauty parlour?

I don't know about the vodka thing, Garson, but if Casino Royale taught us anything, it's that drowning doesn't seem particulary peaceful. I mean, did you see how upset Evan Green looked when she kicked the bucket? Ouch!

Any-a-how. I am glad things be well for you. We miss you back home, all of us. Nevertheless, we are all happy you are spending time doing makes you happy. Jealous-poi~~~

By the way, I tried to use some of the words with my grandma. She was decidedly unimpressed that those few simple words were all the Japanese I knew... So teach me more so I can impress my grandma.

Anonymous said...

i see, arakawa. well for the bug thing, just ignore the bites. sooner or later they just get used to you and they dont bite anymore. thats why people living in japan/hk arent affected that much by bites.

Lawrence said...

Close..... it's a hair salon....

As for the Japanese, you'll just have to keep reading haha....... I'll try to give you as many useful words as I can =P.......

Anonymous said...

Drowning is purportedly the complete opposite of a 'peaceful' death, it is generally agreed amongst the medical community that drowning is extremely painful and even those that do it intentionally are whisked into an uncontrollable, frenzied panic by a deep seated part of our brain (think the fight-or-flight response). Other than that I enjoyed your article, it was well written and fun to read.